NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MAY 02: Jon Batiste performs at the Maple Leaf Bar on May 02, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)Getty Images
Jon Batiste faced the challenge of following up his Grammy-winning Album of the Year with his new project, World Music Radio, the successor to We Are from 2021. To accomplish this, Batiste delved deeper into his creative process and subconsciousness. The result is a masterpiece that takes listeners on a journey through a wide spectrum of human emotions. Rather than highlighting individual tracks, the record is meant to be listened to from start to finish, immersing oneself in the experience. Speaking with Sage Bava and Steve Baltin, Batiste reveals his passion and connection to music, making him a generational artist who continues to improve over time.
Batiste recently performed at the Newport Folk Festival and is now on his way to the Newport Jazz Festival, making him the only artist to play both festivals twice in one year. He expresses his excitement and gratitude for being a part of such historic events. Baltin praises Batiste’s new album, specifically highlighting the emotional impact of the song “Butterfly.” Batiste explains that the song is deeply personal and holds significant meaning that resonates with him and listeners. The album as a whole, like Moby’s Everything Is Wrong, takes listeners on a transformative journey, evoking various emotions.
Batiste took inspiration from artists like Moby and Pink Floyd’s album The Dark Side of the Moon when creating World Music Radio. He wanted to craft an interstellar concept album that seamlessly blends different genres of music, connecting the dots in unconventional ways. The challenge was to establish an emotional palette and lead listeners rhythmically and sonically through the record. Batiste experimented with incorporating orchestral elements and synthesizers to enhance the overall experience.
Discussing his creative process, Batiste describes it as being a conduit for music from an external force. He feels a sense of surrender, as if he is not in control of his own body. This state allows him to tap into his highest frequency and create music that feels transcendent. Batiste finds inspiration in moments of silence and deep conversations with collaborators. Lullabies became a source of comfort and served as a foundation for the song “Butterfly.”
Overall, Batiste’s World Music Radio is a testament to his artistic growth and his ability to evoke powerful emotions through his music. It is a record that deserves to be experienced in its entirety, taking listeners through a transformative and cathartic journey.